a clever solution to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clever solution to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an intelligent or innovative answer to a problem or challenge. Example: "The team presented a clever solution to the ongoing issue of waste management in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It is a clever solution to the problem inherent in having a contemporary art museum in a historic district.

The New York Times

On his arrival, he is told that the major threat to European cathedrals is pigeon droppings, and that his Old World counterparts have devised a clever solution to the problem.

The New York Times - Books

Bean has much to tell us and comes up with a clever solution to the conundrum of Christian's fate, but his play leads to the pessimistic conclusion that paradise on earth is indefinitely postponed.

The Guardian

An economist using these tools might conclude that a casual relationship existed where none really does, and thus be fooled by a statistical mirage.Mr Granger devised a clever solution to this, called co-integration.

The Economist

But in bad times they change from debt into loss-absorbing equity.Such ideas are attractive not just because they provide a clever solution to the debt v equity puzzle.

The Economist

In Silicon Valley, the word "hacker" is more often used to describe someone who comes up with a clever solution to a frustrating problem than it is to describe someone who is committing cybercrimes.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Instead, it's simply a really clever solution to a problem that exists for a reason.

TechCrunch

That was a really clever solution to the problem".

TechCrunch

Pictar is a fantastically clever solution to that precise problem.

TechCrunch

As 'hacks' go, this is a really clever solution to Apple's fairly restrictive Mail.app policies.

TechCrunch

British Columbia-based architecture and interaction design firm Goodweather came up with a delightfully clever solution to combat the outlaw of fire pits along the Ambleside Beach in Vancouver.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing solutions, provide specific details or examples to show why the solution is considered "clever". This adds credibility and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a clever solution" as a placeholder without elaborating on what makes the solution particularly clever. Ensure you explain the ingenuity or unique aspects of the solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clever solution to" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular type of answer or resolution to a problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clever solution to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for describing an ingenious or innovative answer to a problem. As Ludwig AI validated, its prevalence in news and media contexts highlights its neutral register and broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to showcase the ingenuity of the solution. Alternatives like "an ingenious solution for" or "a smart approach to" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. The phrase's versatility is evidenced by its presence across various platforms and its ability to convey not only the effectiveness but also the intelligence behind a particular solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ingenious solution for

Replaces "clever" with "ingenious", emphasizing inventiveness and originality.

an elegant solution to

Emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of the solution.

a brilliant idea for

Highlights the exceptional quality and insightfulness of the solution.

a smart approach to

Substitutes "solution" with "approach", focusing on the method used to tackle the issue.

a practical resolution to

Highlights the feasibility and usefulness of the solution.

a creative answer to

Focuses on the innovative aspect of the response.

a novel approach to

Focuses on the new and original nature of the method.

an innovative fix for

Replaces "solution" with "fix", suggesting a more immediate or temporary remedy.

a resourceful method for

Highlights the ability to find and use available resources effectively.

a strategic response to

Emphasizes the planned and calculated nature of the answer.

FAQs

How can I use "a clever solution to" in a sentence?

You can use "a clever solution to" to describe an intelligent or innovative answer to a specific problem. For example, "The engineer devised "a clever solution to" the traffic congestion issue".

What are some alternatives to "a clever solution to"?

Some alternatives include "an ingenious solution for", "a smart approach to", or "an elegant solution to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a clever solution to"?

While generally positive, ensure that the solution genuinely exhibits ingenuity or intelligence. Overusing the term without justification can diminish its impact. If the solution is simple rather than ingenious, other alternatives may be more appropriate.

What makes "a clever solution to" different from a simple solution?

A "clever solution to" implies a level of ingenuity, originality, or non-obviousness in addressing a problem. A simple solution, on the other hand, may be straightforward and easily apparent, lacking the innovative aspect of a clever one.